The SEMA Data Co-op (SDC) launched its live production system, and the 300 participating companies are now preparing to migrate into the newly developed Product Information Management System (PIMS). Since the co-op began its beta test phase in April 2012, 170 suppliers and 130 receivers have joined the program.

Dozens of SEMA manufacturing members will gather in Diamond Bar, CA, on February 7, 2013, to learn first-hand how new software, surface scanning tools and related technology are being used to improve the product development process. During the SEMA Product Development Conference: Race to Innovate event, participants will meet with suppliers who will explain how technologies and tools are rapidly changing the way products are conceived and delivered to market. Participants will also have an opportunity to measure the 2013 Ford Ranger T6 and the 2013 Toyota Hilux during the event.

Applications for automotive scholarships are now available through the 2013 SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund (SMSF) at www.sema.org/scholarships. Students preparing for careers in the auto or auto parts industries may be eligible for financial awards of up to $5,000.

The Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) announced it has finalized an agreement to purchase the International Motorsports Industry Show (IMIS), the racing trade show that has been held annually in Indianapolis since 2009.

A Nat Danas Scholarship, to be presented annually to students pursuing or advancing a career in the auto trim and restyling industry, has been established as part of the SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund with an endowment of $58,000. The announcement was made by the Nat Danas Scholarship Committee at the SEMA Industry Awards Banquet, held during the 2012 SEMA Show in Las Vegas.

After just eight months, the SEMA Data Co-op (SDC) has reached a milestone with its 150th supplier member joining the group. The program which launched its beta phase in April now includes 150 manufacturer members, 90 data receivers with more participants being added every day.

The Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) and its Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO) and Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) Councils announced that the next "Collector Car Appreciation Day" will be celebrated on July 12, 2013. The date marks the fourth consecutive commemoration in what has become an annual event to raise awareness of the vital role automotive restoration and collection plays in American society.

SEMA, the Specialty Equipment Market Association, today announced the winners of the New Products Showcase Awards held at the 2012 SEMA Show. The event recognizes the most cutting-edge automotive products either on the market or about to hit the market. This year, more than 2,000 new products were submitted for consideration.

This year's SEMA Award for the top trending vehicle models in four categories were announced today at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas. The Ford Mustang was named Hottest Car, the Scion FR-S took the Hottest Sport Compact honors, the Ford F-Series won Hottest Truck and the Jeep Wrangler received the Hottest 4x4-SUV award.

The SEMA council that serves manufacturers' reps in the automotive specialty equipment industry has changed from the Manufacturers' Representatives Council to the Manufacturers' Representative Network (MRN). The new name reflects the group's change to better serve the needs of the membership by becoming an individual-based professional network, compared to it's previous agency-based membership format.

The Leo Kagan Scholarship has been established as part of the SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund, a group that promotes industry leadership by supporting the educational efforts of current and future automotive professionals.

SEMA has partnered with UPS to introduce a new member benefit that will help lower shipping and delivery costs. The new member benefit includes up to 34 percent off many package deliveries, more than 70 percent off Less than Truckload (LTL) freight, and special offers on other UPS business services such as parcel insurance, cargo finance loans, design and test labs and more.

As the industry evolves and businesses seek to work smarter, the 2012 SEMA Show education days feature several comprehensive conferences focused on specific topics, dozens of product trainings and more than 50 free sessions.

The SEMA Mustang Build Powered By Women, better known as "High Gear," will debut in the Ford Motor Company booth on Tuesday, October 30 at 10:00 a.m., the opening day of the 2012 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, Nevada. The 2013 Mustang GT made national headlines during the summer when more than 40 women volunteered their time and expertise to customize the vehicle in less than two months. Immediately after the unveiling, the vehicle will be auctioned to raise funds for the SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund. Details about the auction are available at www.SEMA.org/Auctions.

After just five months, the SEMA Data Co-op (SDC) has reached a
milestone with its 100th supplier member joining the group. The program which
launched its beta phase in April now includes 100 manufacturer members, 40 data
receivers and exports from more than 25 brands. The list of all 100 supplier
members is available at www.SemaDataCoop.org.

Jim Graven has been named as Director of Membership for the SEMA Data
Co-op. Graven, who has more than 15 years of experience in the specialty parts
aftermarket, will play a key role in growing the industry-owned and operated
data management solution - particularly as it transitions into a full system launch
in January.

Recognizing the top trend-setting vehicle models, the SEMA Awards
will be announced and presented to winning automakers during the 2012 SEMA Show
in Las Vegas, Nevada. Through the program, SEMA exhibitors that make products
for those trend-setting vehicles will identify the vehicle platforms that they
believe are best for accessorizing, and best for showcasing the industry's
coolest products.

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit
dismissed a lawsuit which challenged the Environmental Protection Agency's
(EPA) authority to grant a partial waiver for 15% ethanol (E15) content in
gasoline for 2001 and newer model year cars and light trucks. The court
found that the groups bringing the lawsuit, which included trade associations
representing manufacturers of cars, boats and power equipment, along with the
petroleum and food industries, lacked standing to bring the lawsuit.

The all-female vehicle customization project known as the SEMA Mustang Build
Powered by Women, featuring a 2013 Ford Mustang GT donated by Ford Motor
Company, is on target for the unveiling of winning design "High Gear" at this
year's SEMA Show on Tuesday, October 30, 2012. The customized vehicle, which
was built at Source Interlink Media's headquarters in El Segundo, CA, will be
auctioned on eBay immediately following the reveal with proceeds slated for the
SEMA Memorial Scholarship Foundation, an organization dedicated to fostering
the next generation of automotive aftermarket leaders and innovators.

For the fifth consecutive year, the SEMA Show will include an exclusive
program designed specifically for franchise and independent automotive dealers.
Taking place during the SEMA Show on Tuesday, October 30-Friday, November 2,
2012, the program focuses on critical areas of accessory integration and how
they impact operations in all key dealership departments.

A limited number of spots are still available for companies to become
Founding Members of the SEMA Data Co-Op. Through the program's beta phase which
launched earlier this year, suppliers and receivers have the opportunity to
become Founding Members of a program that will change the way product data is
used and managed.

SEMA Show exhibitors that
manufacture powersports products will be able to quickly, easily and affordably
connect with thousands of buyers who are specifically seeking products for
motorcycles, dirt bikes, UTVs, ATVs or side-by-sides. Through the Manufacturer
Kiosk Program, an exhibitor with a booth in another area of the SEMA Show is
eligible to host a kiosk that will be located in the Powersports & Utility
Vehicle section of the show.